The Spring Racing Carnival

The Spring Racing Carnival in Melbourne is a series of thoroughbred horse races held annually in October and November. The Melbourne Cup is the premier event and is held on the first Tuesday in November each year (a public holiday for Victorians).

One reason the spring racing carnival is so popular with race-goers is that it occurs after the football season has just ended and before the cricket season has started. The Spring Racing Carnival draws over half a million visitors to Melbourne annually.

Many race days constitute the Spring Racing Carnival. The Melbourne Cup is the premier event of the Spring Racing Carnival and is held on the first Tuesday in November each year. Trainers bring their horses worldwide to compete in this premier race event with a prize pool of over $8 million. Melbourne Cup Day is considered so important that it has been designated a public holiday in Victoria. The other races are scheduled around the Melbourne Cup date accordingly.

Caulfield Guineas: 12th October 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 1600 metres, held at Caulfield Racecourse four Saturdays before the Melbourne Cup.
Caulfield Cup: 19th October 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 2400 metres, held at Caulfield Racecourse three Saturdays before the Melbourne Cup.
Cox Plate: 26th October 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 2040 metres, held at Moonee Valley Racecourse two Saturdays before Melbourne Cup day.
Victoria Derby Day: 2nd November 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 2400 metres, held at Flemington Racecourse on the Saturday before the Melbourne Cup.
Melbourne Cup Day: 5th November 2024 – Australia’s most prestigious Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 3200 metres, held at Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday of November each year.
Crown Oaks Day: 7th November 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 2500 metres, held at Flemington Racecourse on the Thursday after Melbourne Cup day.
Emirates Stakes Day: 9th November 2024 – Group 1 Thoroughbred Race, 1600 metres, held at Flemington Racecourse on the Saturday following Melbourne Cup Day.

The Spring Racing Carnival is also a popular fashion event. Attendees dress in their Spring finest suits, tailored suits for men and colourful dresses, hats, and fascinators for women. Numerous “Fashion on the Fields” events are held on each race day, and the winners can take home thousands of dollars.

Food and drinks can be purchased at the event; however, many racegoers bring their own picnic. Betting is a popular pastime, so bring some extra cash to place a bet on Australia’s biggest races.

Public transport to the event is plentiful, with trains that run direct and trams stopping only a short walk away. Special trains run directly to Flemington Racecourse on race days. Trains to Flemington Racecourse depart at Flinders Street Station, Southern Cross Station and North Melbourne Station. You can also catch the #57 Maribyrnong tram from the Elizabeth Street/Flinders Street intersection and alight at Flemington Drive.

There are no dress regulations for general admission ticket holders. However, wear your favourite casual or race-day attire for a fun day at the races.